Activists seek UK PM pledge not to attack Iran

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has sent a letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron to seek assurances that London will not engage in illegal military action in Iran. The CND said the move is a response to the government’s call for legal advice on involvement in a military action against Iran. Senior cabinet members have asked for recommendations from the Attorney General on a range of options regarding Iran’s nuclear energy program including “giving diplomatic support to Israel and/or using the Royal Navy to combat attempts by Tehran to close the vital Strait of Hormoz shipping route.” However, the CND said it has sent it own “advice” to the government, expressing concerns about London’s escalating military rhetoric regarding the issue. “[The letter seeks] to remind the Prime Minister that no concrete evidence has been provided to substantiate Western concerns [about Iran’s civilian nuclear activities] and that military intervention on the basis of such an ill-defined threat would be illegal,” the CND said. “[It also] sets out the very limited circumstances prescribed by international law where pre-emptive military action can ever be justified. In short, such military action must always be used as a last resort; … in response to a clearly defined, instant and overwhelming threat. CND suggest that none of these criteria can be said to exist in the current Iranian context,” it added. This comes as CND General Secretary Kate Hudson has called for a settlement of the situation through negotiations based on mutual respect and equality. “The consequences of a military attack on Iran would be disastrous not only for that country but for the region as a whole. Genuine dialogue and diplomacy on the basis of equality and respect is the only way forward,” Hudson said.